Maui - 11 Day Itinerary
Our Ultimate Itinerary for 11 Days in Maui
We spent 11 unforgettable days exploring Maui. From sunrise on a volcano to tropical beaches, the island has something for everyone. Hopefully, our itinerary can inspire your next Maui vacation. Feel free to mix and match days or activities based on your interests, pace, and lodging.
We split our stay between Upcountry, Hana, and West Maui. You can check out the detailed posts for each area:
If you’re just here for the highlights and want a quick overview of our itinerary, read on!
Day 1: Arrival in Paradise
Unless you are coming to Maui from a neighboring Island, you are going to have a long journey before arriving in paradise. Make a quick stop at Costco near the airport or Foodland in Pukalani to pick up any groceries you might want. Foodland has an incredible poke counter, making it a great choice for a welcome dinner. Our home base for Days 1-4 is in Kula, which is perched on the slopes of Haleakalā. Other options would include Makawao, Pukalani or even Paia. These will be the perfect launch point for exploring Upcountry Maui.
Day 2: Sunrise at Haleakala & Lei Workshop
Start off your trip with a 3:30 a.m. wake-up (earlier if you're not staying in Upcountry) to catch the famous Haleakalā sunrise. It’s breathtaking to stand above the clouds, watching the crater glow with otherworldly colors. After sunrise, explore the rest of the National Park with short trails like Pā Ka‘oao or scenic stops like Leleiwi overlook. Grab a late breakfast at La Provence. Explore the cowboy town of Makawao and learn how to make a Lei.
Morning: Sunrise at Haleakalā Visitor Center (reservations are required; book 60 days in advance).
Late Morning: Explore the park like Pā Ka‘oao, Leleiwi overlook, and Hosmer Grove nature walk
Afternoon: Late breakfast or early lunch at La Provence
Late Afternoon: Visit Makawao and lei-making at Haku Maui
Evening: Dinner at Kula Bistro
Day 3: Sunrise at Haleakala & Lei Workshop
Immerse yourself in Maui's agriculture with visits to Surfing Goat Dairy, the Maui Pineapple Tour and Hali‘imaile Distillery. Cool off at Twin Falls and see sea turtles at Ho’okipa Beach Park. Enjoy a delicious dinner at Hali‘imaile General Store.
Morning: Donuts at Komoda Bakery and then tour Surfing Goat Dairy
Late Morning: Maui Pineapple Tour
Afternoon: Hali‘imaile Distillery tasting
Late Afternoon: Swim at Twin Falls and see turtles at Ho’okipa Beach Park
Evening: Dinner at Hali‘imaile General Store
Day 4: A Stroll through Upcountry Gardens
After a hearty breakfast, explore the Kula Botanical Garden and Ali‘i Kula Lavender Farm. Head to Ulupalakua Ranch for lunch and wine tasting at MauiWine. End the day with an epic Haleakalā sunset and do a little stargazing.
Morning: Breakfast at Grandma’s Coffee House, Kula Botanical Garden visit
Late Morning: Ali‘i Kula Lavender Farm walk
Afternoon: Lunch at Ulupalakua Ranch Store, MauiWine tasting
Late Afternoon: Drive up to the summit
Evening: Sunset & stargazing at Haleakalā
Day 5: Road to Hana Begins
Head out on an epic road trip, driving the famous Road to Hana. Many do the Road to Hana in a day, but we loved slowing down and soaking it all in. In the morning, stop at the Garden of Eden, Kaumahina State Wayside Park, and the Ke‘anae Peninsula. Don’t forget to grab banana bread at Aunty Sandy’s. Try to stop at Wailua Valley and Pua'a Ka'a State Wayside Parks. Get lunch at Nahiku Marketplace. Enjoy Hamoa Beach and get dinner from the Hana Food Trucks (most close by 7:00).
Morning: Coffee at Vida by SipMe. Walk around the Garden of Eden
Late Morning: Enjoy the view at Kaumahina and Ke‘anae Peninsula plus banana bread!
Afternoon: Snack at Halfway to Hana, Stops at Wailua Valley and Pua'a Ka'a. Lunch at Nahiku Marketplace
Late Afternoon: Explore Hana and enjoy Hamoa Beach
Evening: Dinner Hana food trucks (try Ae’s Thai truck)
Day 6: Kipahulu District
Start your day with a dip into Wailua Falls. Explore ʻOhe‘o Gulch and hike the stunning Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls. Wrap up the day relaxing on the black sands of Waiʻānapanapa State Park and dinner in Hana.
Morning: Coffee from Da Mean Bean and swim at Wailua Falls
Late Morning: Explore ʻOhe‘o Gulch
Afternoon: Pipiwai Trail (4-mile round-trip hike)
Late Afternoon: Waiʻānapanapa black sand beach (reservations are required; book 30 days in advance).
Evening: Dinner at Hana Ranch Restaurant
Day 7: One Last Look at Hana Before Heading West
Start your morning with the black sand beach of Waiʻānapanapa, visited Koki Beach and Hana Gold ChocolateHead back out on the Hana Hwy with stops at Coconut Glen’s, Honomanu Bay, and Ke‘anae Arboretum. Grab lunch in Paia as you make your way towards West Maui.
Morning: Waiʻānapanapa (reservations are required; book 30 days in advance). Visit the lava tube, blowhole, and sea arch at the park.
Late Morning: Koki Beach (no swimming) and Hana Gold Chocolate
Afternoon: Coconut Glen’s ice cream and Ke‘anae Arboretum
Late Afternoon: Lunch at Paia Fish Market
Evening: Arrive in Kaanapali and dine at Maui Brewing Co.
Day 8: Beach Mode
After 7 days of adventure and exploration, it’s time to slow down and hit the beach. Start your day with incredible cinnamon rolls and coffee before snorkeling at Olowalu. Lunch at Leoda’s Pie Shop and a scenic drive under monkeypod trees rounded out a relaxing day.
Morning: Papi’s Ohana breakfast, coffee from Cruizin Cafe
Late Morning & Afternoon: Snorkel and relax at Olowalu Beach
Late Afternoon: Lunch at Leoda’s Pie Shop
Evening: Enjoy a perfect Maui sunset
Day 9: Luau
With a later evening, take the morning slow. Enjoy breakfast at Kihei Caffe’s Lahaina location, browse the shops at Whalers Village, and relax at the beach. End the day with the unforgettable Maui Nui Luau.
Morning: Breakfast at Kihei Caffe
Late Morning: Shop at Whalers Village
Afternoon: Relax at Kaanapali Beach
Late Afternoon: Freshen up and get Luau ready
Evening: Maui Nui Luau
Day 10: West Maui Coastline
Start your day with breakfast at The Gazebo. Head north to explore the dramatic coastlines of West Maui with stops at the Nakalele Blowhole and Slaughterhouse Beach. After a scenic morning, enjoy a laid-back afternoon at Whalers Village and Kaanapali Beach with lunch at Monkeypod. Cap off your trip with a memorable fine dining experience at Merriman’s.
Morning: Macadamia nut pancakes at The Gazebo
Late Morning: Nakalele Blowhole, Slaughterhouse Beach
Afternoon: Mai Tai (plus lunch) at Monkeypod Kitchen
Late Afternoon: Finish up any shopping or relax at the beach
Evening: Fine dining at Merriman’s
Day 11: So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish!
Savor your final day! Enjoy your last breakfast, snorkel, and fresh seafood lunch on the island. Wrap up and final shopping and souvenir needs. Then treat yourself to a sweet send-off with Ululani’s Shave Ice before catching your late-night flight.
Morning: Breakfast at Castaway Cafe
Late Morning: One last snorkel before returning gear
Afternoon: Lunch at Paia Fish Market (Kihei)
Late Afternoon: Shave ice at Ululani’s (do this earlier and more often in your trip)
Evening: Depart Maui
Final Thoughts
Maui truly has it all. Impressive scenery, wonderful people, amazing beaches, and unforgettable food. Our 11-day trip offered a nice blend of adventure and relaxation. If you’re heading to Maui, use this as inspiration for your trip, but leave room to discover your own favorite spots. Aloha!
